LIFE EVENTS
LIFE EVENTS
Life events are Christenings/Baptisms (including Adult Baptism), Weddings and Funerals. Church Wigan feel honoured to be involved in any of your life events, our clergy and staff will be on hand to help in any way we can.
Christening & Baptisms
Bringing a child to church for christening or baptism is a significant event that holds several meanings:
Acknowledgment of God’s Love: By having their child baptized, parents publicly recognize God’s love for humanity as part of His creation. It symbolizes God’s care and affection for each individual.
Gratitude for the Gift of Life: Parents express gratitude to God for the precious gift of their child’s life. Baptism becomes a way to thank God for this blessing.
Initiation into Faith: Baptism marks the beginning of a spiritual journey for the child. Parents make a conscious decision to introduce their child to faith and seek support from God and the church community.
A Christening or Baptism is a beautiful and meaningful tradition that combines gratitude, faith, and community support.
For more information about Baptism visit the baptism section of the Church of England website.
If you want to arrange a baptism then you need to contact your local church and discuss arrangements with them.
Baptism is a significant event that involves parents and godparents making promises and commitments before God. These commitments include raising the child as a follower of Jesus. Additionally, the church offers a special service to give thanks for the gift of the child, which is suitable for those who may not wish to have their child baptized at this stage.
In summary, baptism represents both spiritual commitments and gratitude within the context of faith.
Baptism as an Adult
Baptism is not just for children. Many adults who have not been baptised as children want to make a commitment to God later in their life. The Church of England website contains more details about baptism as an adult and Christian initiation.
Getting Confirmed
Baptism is often considered the beginning of a lifelong journey for Christians. As a person’s faith and understanding develop, they may eventually reach a point where they feel ready to make a deeper commitment to God. This commitment typically takes the form of a confirmation service. During this service, the individual publicly affirms their faith, and a Bishop confirms it through the laying on of hands.
Confirmation is a significant step in one’s spiritual growth, signifying a more mature and intentional commitment to their faith.
Weddings
As Christians, we view marriage as a sacred gift from God. Here are some key points about getting married in a church:
Public Declaration: When a couple marries in a church, they publicly declare their lifelong commitment to each other. This commitment is witnessed not only by family and friends but also by God.
Legal Status: Marriage grants legal recognition as husband and wife. It establishes a formal bond recognized by society and the legal system.
Fulfillment and Stability: We believe that marriage provides an ideal context for the fulfillment of our sexuality. Additionally, it offers a secure and stable environment for raising children.
Marrying in a church symbolizes love, commitment, and the blessings of faith.
Funerals
When a loved one passes away, it’s essential to express grief and give thanks for their completed life. In Christian funerals, people also commend the departed soul into God’s keeping. Here are some key points about Christian funeral services:
Reflecting the Individual: The funeral service aims to reflect the personality of the deceased and the circumstances of their passing. It can be a brief, quiet gathering with close friends and family or a larger service with music, hymns, and a full church.
God’s Love and Preciousness: Throughout the service, the words and actions convey God’s love for the world and emphasize the preciousness of every human being.
Arranging the Funeral: Organizing a funeral is challenging, and our clergy understand this. They work closely with family and friends, respecting the wishes of the departed. Comfort and support are offered during this difficult time.
Parish Church Funerals: Everyone has the right to a funeral in their parish church, regardless of whether they regularly attend that church. Our clergy ensure that the funeral provides a fitting end to the person’s life in this world.
We hope that these services bring comfort and solace to those mourning the loss of their loved ones.